Orphan Works Problem

Orphan Works Problem

Google tries to digitize all books in English but...

First they considered all books in public domain (old books mostly) but evidently that is only about 20% (books from before 1923)

Then they approached publishers (a lot, some scientific, some not) for partnerships that would mutually benefit Google searchers and the publishers. All the books currently in print only add another 5% (books that are currently available)

He pointed out that 75% of books have copyright status unclear. Author? Publisher? Public Domain? It appears this is often unclear.

This 75% makes up the so-called orphan works -- works that no one can find profit in and that no one has use of.